“I Almost Ran Away from the News,” Says Tinubu Amid Soaring Inflation and Hunger Crisis
By Amanabo Ocholi | Katsina, Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has admitted that the economic hardship caused by his administration’s policies was so intense that he “almost ran away from watching the news or reading the newspapers.”
The President made this remark during his visit to Katsina State over the weekend, acknowledging the distressing impact of the reforms initiated since he assumed office. Tinubu, however, claimed that Nigeria has now “turned the corner” and is on the path to economic recovery.
“I just used courage and stayed put on my decisions, believing that the ability of a leader to take a decision at the right time is the hallmark of leadership,” Tinubu stated.
Economic Recovery or Empty Optimism?
While the President insists that his policies are “already bearing fruits,” economic indicators tell a different story. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in its Q4 2024 economic report, confirmed that inflation has worsened under Tinubu’s watch, driven by a mix of insecurity, energy costs, exchange rate instability, and infrastructure deficits.
The report revealed:
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Headline inflation surged to 34.80%, up from 32.70% in Q3 2024;
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Over 74.62% of items in the CPI basket exceeded the historical average inflation rate;
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Food and non-food inflation rose simultaneously, compounding household burdens.
The CBN forecasts a possible moderation of inflation in 2025, but experts remain cautious.
Food Security Crisis Deepens Across Nigeria
Further contradicting Tinubu’s optimistic outlook, a report by SBM Intelligence highlights a worsening food security crisis in Nigeria and across West and Central Africa. Over 40 million people are already struggling to feed themselves during the 2024 post-harvest season, with numbers expected to hit 52.7 million by mid-2025.
In Nigeria alone:
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31% of women aged 15–49 are malnourished in conflict-affected areas;
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Armed violence continues to hinder agricultural activities in Benue, Borno, and Plateau States;
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Rising insecurity is stifling food production and escalating hunger nationwide.
The Jollof Index and Soaring Food Prices
The SBM Jollof Index, which tracks the cost of preparing Nigeria’s beloved jollof rice, paints a bleak picture:
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₦21,300 (Sept. 2024) ➜ ₦25,486 (March 2025) — a 19% surge in just six months;
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The increase reflects broader issues: fuel price hikes, transport disruption, insecurity, and climate shocks.
These grim statistics raise questions about the credibility of the President’s claims and whether the so-called “corner” Nigeria has turned is leading to real recovery or deeper distress.
Despite President Tinubu’s reassurances, the reality on ground paints a picture of deepening hardship. While courage may be a trait of leadership, results remain the true measure, and millions of Nigerians are still waiting for relief that is yet to materialize.
